Clint Dempsey: ‘It’s three points, that’s the most important thing’

Just two days after arriving back in Seattle, Clint Dempsey came on the field for Marco Pappa in the 57th minute and assisted the game-winning goal by forward Chad Barrett. Here’s what he had to say to reporters in the locker room after the game…

Thoughts on the goal:

“It was good for us to get the goal. Happy with the win, happy with the points.”

A goal like that building momentum for the team:

“It’s three points, that’s the most important thing. It was good to play a part in the goal. Happy for Chad to get his first goal with the team. The momentum is the three points. That’s where you get the momentum from.”

What it’s like to be back in Seattle:

“It’s great to be back in Seattle. The fans were awesome today, even in the cold and rain they came out and showed their support and they really pushed us on and helped us keep fighting until the last minute, and played a part in our goal, as well.”

Today’s finish setting the tone for the season:

“It’s always good to start on a positive note and three points is the best you can start, so we’re excited about that.”

Plan for when to come off the bench during the game:

“Just dependent up to Sigi and what he wanted to do, but with all the travel and stuff like that, getting in on Thursday after flying so much, we wanted to be a little bit smarter because if you look at the history of myself and some of the other players, people pick up injuries if you push too hard too quickly after long travel.”

Where he felt most comfortable on the field:

“I was in the same position, withdrawn forward the whole time. Get freedom to move around and impact the game in whatever way I can. Found some good spots on the field and was able to make some plays happen, and like I said was happy to play a part in the goal.”

On the depth and fresh legs in the team:

“It’s important for this team to have depth, that’s what’s going to help you go far during the season and be successful because there will be times where there will be injuries and there will be times where people will be called away for international duty and players need to step up, so depth will be an important part in how well we do this season.”

Message for the fans at CenturyLink Field today:

“Thanks for the support and hopefully you’re happy with three points. We’re going to do our best to bring the MLS Cup to them, to the the city.”

Being a team that fights until the end:

“You got to have that if you want to win something. It’s still early days, but getting a goal in injury time, it does show that you’re fighting until the end, but it’s a long season and I think your true character shows over time. I think it’s clawing your way back after conceding goals and also it’s being able to get goals in the final few minutes and hopefully we can do that this season.”

What went through mind when his header hit the crossbar:

“Try to get a foot on it, try to do a scissors kick. I think I barely got anything on it, and was trying to score, actually, to be honest with you, and was happy that it fell to Chad and he finished it off.”

Noticing any differences in the team:

“That’s too early to tell, but it’s a positive locker room. Everybody’s happy and in good spirits, fighting for each other, but it’s too early to say. I’ve only been here two days.”